While HR 5536 amends the Social Security Act to revise payment rules for outpatient PTA’s/OTA’s in rural and medically underserved areas, it’s a good first step in alleviating the 15% payment reduction for their services. Access to care for Medicare beneficiaries are the key here. As you know, this cut was implemented on Jan. 1, 2022, and applies to OTA and PTA services under Medicare Part B.
HR 8800 addresses the 4.42% conversion factor cut by extending a payment increase under Medicare's physician fee schedule through the end of 2023 (currently set to expire at the end of 2022). With some luck, this will be included in the year-end omnibus package. Legislation seeking to erase the cut completely is not likely to succeed but it is likely that Congress will provide enough money for a “one time” increase to the final 2023 conversion factor.
Your input can help them understand why they need to include policies to support therapists in private practice and the impact that would have on your patients and your business.
Take action now to tell your Representatives to support HR 5536 and HR 8800!